PODCAST

May 24th, 2018

Scripture reminds Christians to be ready to give the reason for their hope, but also to do so gently and respectfully (1 Peter 3:15b). The slave girl who served Namaan’s wife in 2 Kings 5 probably did not pronounce judgments upon the cultural or religious practices of her captors. Instead, she lived quietly and respectfully within a culture she did not know, earning the respect of her mistress.

As the Israelite slave girl shared her faith, Christians can gently and lovingly spread the word of Jesus’ saving power to people of all cultures. A Christian tutor working in a secular college in the United States was spontaneously asked by an ailing Muslim student to pray with him for his healing. The tutor had shown kindness to this student and had gently answered questions about her faith. The student was healed, and the young Muslim man was amazed at the power of this Christian’s God.

Judgments and hatred mute the message of Christ; loving actions and gentle words speak much more loudly.